This was a sweet romance book. I really enjoyed it. I read it in one day. I felt for the characters and was cheering for them. I would definitely recommend this book to all my family and friends.

Moira is content in her life. She's single and doesn't need a man. Then the town council votes to tear down her mothers shop and turn it into a parking lot. (I had the song 'paved paradise to put up a parking lot.') Moira decides to fight it and learns more about herself along the way.

This is the fourth book in the series focusing on Somerset Lake. I enjoyed this book filled with romance, past mistakes and some drama. Women's fiction at its best.

The Good Luck Cafe

by Annie Rains

Moira has been hurt—badly. So devastatingly, that she has never shared what happened to her and how she reacted with anyone. Even Gil, who rescued her, only knows part of the story. Now he is town mayor and one of the nicest people in town. Except he has not stopped the town council’s plans to demolish her mother’s coffee shop on the main street through town and replace it with a parking lot. Everyone agrees that it will be sad to lose Sweetie’s Bakeshop, but the driving and parking situation in town has become dangerous.

Gil has always been attracted to Moira, but she pushes him away because of her secret and her concern that her mother will lose the business she loves. Moira is a dispatcher for the town’s 911 emergency services, works from home, and loves her job. Gil has done a good job as mayor. He is also a great big brother to his brother Doug who has Down syndrome. Goldie, Gil’s golden retriever, adds fun to the story.

Around this basic plot, Annie Rains creates and develops some great characters in The Good Luck Cafe. There is a lot of tension over the parking lot controversy, the upcoming mayoral election, and the relationship of Moira and Gil. Denise, Gil’s high school nemesis, decides to stir up trouble. Also, Doug wants to move out on his own and solicits Gil’s help in persuading their parents to allow it while his mother wants Gil to convince Doug to continue to live at home.

All through the book you will find a heartwarming story and a clean romance. Both Moira and Gil have a support group of friends. Moira meets with her Book Club on Thursday nights and the associated men meet at the local tavern to enjoy each other’s company along with some friendly teasing. Most of them go way back as friends.

This is my second book in the Somerset Lake Series. If the next book were available, I would have followed up with an immediate read of it after The Good Luck Cafe. I will just have to be satisfied that there are two more books in the series that I can go back and pick up.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


Rating: 5/5

Category: Romance

Notes: 1. #4 in the Somerset Lake Series, but can definitely be read as a standalone.
2. Although it is a clean and fun romance, it does address a few serious topics which I will not list because they would be spoilers.
3. I was simultaneously reading a book for my book club, but I read several chapters of this every day to keep the story going.

Publication: March 14, 2023—Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

Memorable Lines:

When Doug was growing up, it had seemed like acquiring every new skill was a challenge. Doug never gave up though. He wasn’t a quitter. Gil had learned everything he knew about perseverance from his brother.

“Trust me, when you feel like you want to be alone you really need to be with the people who love you.”

“Relationships are hard, and they can be messy, but sometimes the things that complicate our lives are the things that make life worth living.”

I absolutely love this series! It’s a small-town romance set in a charming town in Western NC. The Good Luck Cafe is the 4th book in the series and it did not disappoint! It follows town mayor Gil and dispatcher Moira. The two find themselves on opposite sides of a town issue: tearing down Moira’s mother’s beloved cafe and turning it into a much-needed parking deck. It’s such a cozy and heartwarming story, I highly recommend it!

Moira is trying to save her mother's bakery but that means going head to head with Mayor Gil. She and Gil were really good friends a very long time ago until one night everything changed. Moira has tried to keep her distance from Gil, while he's had a crush on her. He'd do pretty much anything for her and while she comes off as bossy and head strong, she has a big heart. Can these two meet in the middle somewhere and compromise? I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I love all of Annie Rains books, and once again she did not disappoint with this latest story.

Her books are a great blend of fiction with some romance and sometimes a little mystery, too! I love revisiting the town and seeing all the characters again. She keeps the characters who reappear consistent which is likely challenging, so I appreciate how well it is done.

I also enjoy how she includes a more serious topic without bringing the book tone down, but raising awareness for important causes while also giving more of a realistic angle to the story.

Overall a great read, but one that I wish didn’t read so easy because then I was sad it was over!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my opinion.

Moira is settled and fine with her life up until she finds out that her mothers cafe is going to be replaced with a parking and now riled up enough to do something about it. Looking for help from an old friend Mayor Gil Ryan she finds that he is apart of the decision now shes running for mayor against him to make different changes to the town that really focus on keeping small businesses like her mothers intact.

So this book was pretty enjoyable. I loved Moria's character she really stood up for people and really went out and help others. She wasn't much for staying down when she was needed. Then theres Gil who is doing everything he can to help others its not like he wanted to take down Morias mother business down for a reason he was even willing to help her find another location. And that's the decision was so much bigger and would really benefit the town. So I can see where his mind was when it came to the story. Then there's the whole crush that Gil had when I came from Moira it was clear to everyone she just wasn't into him until now and there is a whole backstory with that but you'll have to read the story to find out more about that. I really enjoyed the sweet romance that was going on between the two. It was interesting watching us a campaign against each other as well as others as for he was going to be mayor. And I really enjoyed this book overall I was really good book.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Moira and Gil. Moira and Gil have known each other all their lives. Moira is a 911 operator and Gil is the mayor of their hometown city. Moira’s Mo owns coffee shop in the middle of downtown. The city wants to destroy the building that the coffee shop is in to make way for a parking garage. There is lots if different opinions. Moira and Gil start dating. They realize they are in love.

I love these small-town romances. All the secrets and tension between Moira and Gil keep me wanting more!

I love Annie Rains small town romances. I was so excited to read book #4 in the Somerset Lake Series. Somerset Lake seems like the perfect small town. I fell in love with the town and the people who live there in the first 3 books. I must admit that The Good Luck Cafe was a little slow for me. I enjoyed the story but I didn't feel a strong connection to Moira and Gil and their story.

THE GOOD LUCK CAFE - Annie Rains

#4 in the Somerset Lake romance series

GREAT CHARACTERS - 4 STARS

Plot - 4 stars - Moira and Somerset Lake’s mayor were good friends once, until one night changed everything between them. Now, with Gil supporting the council’s plans, Moira is forced to find another way to save Sweetie’s—and it involves campaigning against Gil. Going head-to-head in a battle of wills reveals more than either of them are ready for, and as the election heats up, so does their attraction.

Writing - 4.5 stars - Rains writes a casual and easy-to-read book, and it's always enjoyable to jump back into one of her series. We've gotten to know Moira and Gil fairly well through her friends in previous books, so it was great to finally know the secrets behind their story.

Characters - 4 stars - Moira is a strong and independent woman, and she has made it clear that she doesn't need a man to be happy. Gil, the likeable mayor, has always loved Moira, but she always treats him badly. It didn't take long to realize that she has always felt guilty about the kindness he showed her years ago, and that has influenced how she feels about him and explains the awkwardness she has felt. Despite their up-and-down history, I liked them together and was rooting for their success as a couple. Secondary character of Doug (Gil's brother with Down Syndrome) added a lot of dimension to the story.

Title - 3.5 stars - The title is fine, although it's not really the name of the cafe in question. I suppose you could surmise that the cafe is what ultimately brought Moira and Gil together, and that it brought good luck to them both.

Cover - 3.5 stars - The soft colors and attractive small-town look definitely draw the eye and capture the reader's attention.

Overall - 4 stars - Although the positive change between Moira and Gil happened fairly quickly, it was clear that it was time for them to move forward with their relationship after so many years of awkwardness. Gil is a terrific hero, with an easygoing personality, yet with strong ideas and morals proving that he's not a pushover. Moira could be considered a bossy and opinionated personality, but I liked her softer side and her loyalty to her friends and family. This has been a warm and loving series with great characters and absorbing stories.

From the first page, the author quickly dives into the story, I love that!
Main characters were easy to imagine by the author’s descriptions, and I could quickly tell that I was going to enjoy being a fly on the wall in The Good Luck Cafe!
This is definitely a book I would love to watch on screen as the charm of the location really lends itself to visuals.
I found myself really looking forward to getting back to reading this each time, and it was a feel good part of my day!
Uplifting, heartwarming, wholesome, cozy!.
I never like to read a series out of order, even if it is said to be OK to read as a stand-alone.
But because of time constraints, I decided to read this book anyway, even though I haven’t read the others. I’m so glad I did!
I will definitely go back to read the ones leading up to this one, but don’t feel that I have lost any of the context or substance of this book by not having read the others yet.

Thankyou to Author Annie Rains, Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this book!

Charlene 🌸🤗📚 @lastnownext

The Good Luck Cafe was a sweet, small town romance with charm.

Moira, a 911 dispatcher, finds herself thrust into the spotlight in her hometown when she steps in to help someone who called for aid. She also unexpectedly finds herself running for mayor when her mom's cafe is in danger of being torn down by the mayor and city council. Gil, the mayor, has had a crush on Moira for years. However, between a complicated past and the political issues now, it seems like a romance would be something difficult.

I liked that this was a fairly low angst book despite the issues between Moira and Gil. I do wish there had been a bit more lead up/explanation for how Moira's feelings changed. It felt very quick and a bit rushed. I did like the two of them together quite a bit, though. They had a great connection and I couldn't wait to see how the mayoral race worked out.

I absolutely loved this fourth installment Somerset Lake series! It was so nice returning to the small town and felt like seeing old friends again.

This book focuses mostly on Moira and Gil…and I think they might be my favorite couple yet! I love how independent Moira is and how she stands up for her family. And don’t even get me started on Gil…he’s a big teddy bear who will help everyone he can. And he has a giant soft spot for his little brother, Doug, who has Down Syndrome. I enjoyed how the author worked really hard to portray a real town with real people. It’s extremely refreshing to have diversity represented.

You could definitely read this as a stand-alone, but I recommend starting with the first book so you don’t miss out on all the amazing characters and stories!

The good luck café
By Annie Rains
Due out March 14, 2023

I absolutely loved being back in Somerset Lake! Although this book is a part of a series, it definitely can be read as a standalone. But my question is, why would you want to do that? The series is amazing and I think I would start with book one.

This story is about Moria a 911 operator and Gil the town mayor.

Gil has loved Moria since kindergarten. Moria has always had an attraction to Gil, but she’s always kept it on the back burner.

The town is in desperate need of a parking lot. Unfortunately, the only place for that parking lot is where sweetie’s café sits. This cafe is Moria’s moms café. This is where she felt she grew up and has many memories. Gil himself growing up in Somerset Lake has many memories of the café too. However, his job as mayor, he has to do what’s best for the entire town.

I loved the struggles between Moria and Gil. Will they get a happy ending?

I loved that both characters are definitely family supporters.
Moria for her mother. Gil for his brother Doug. Doug’s character has down syndrome, and I think Annie did an amazing job with writing Doug’s character. And did I mention that there’s puppies! Because there’s puppies 🙂

As always with Annie’s books, I highly recommend this one! This is definitely a feel good book. In my opinion, she writes a lot like Debbie Macomber.

I was honored by NetGalley to receive an advance copy of this book. And this a review is my honest opinion.

DNF at 12%

I've read and like a few other books in this series, but the characters in this one weren't hitting the mark for me. They both felt flat for me especially Gil. Although I like Annie's writing I couldn't take anymore of Gil and decided to set this book aside.

This book, the latest in Annie Rains' Somerset Lake series is another win for Ms. Rains. Although not my favorite of the series that is reserved for the previous book in the series; this is still a very enjoyable book and I look forward to her next book in the series. I hope we get to see more of the sheriff, Beth and even Doug in future books.
I received an ARC through Netgalley from the publisher and author in exchange for an honest review, which did not influence my review.

We are back in Somerset Lake with another wonderful story in the series. This time the story belongs to Moira Green, the town’s 911 dispatcher, and Gil Ryan, the major .
These two were friends many years ago, until the night that changed everything.
Nowadays, the town is trying to get a new parking building in the location of Sweetie’s . This would mean Moira’s mother’s livelihood would be destroyed.
Moira’s only hope of saving the cafe is to get involved in politics and run against Gil in the upcoming election.
Secrets are exposed, and feelings intensify.
In the end , will Moira be able to save the cafe? Will Moira and Gil get a chance to get their HEA, or will the past and the election keep them from getting what they truly want.
Another engaging story filled with interesting characters and a charming town.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Forever. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

I adore Annie Rains' books and have been religiously reading them every time a new one comes out. This one gave off vibes that it might be the last in the series, which is a bummer, but it looks like she has a fun time loop story coming later this year!

This story centers around Moira, the last friend in the book club to not be paired off with anyone. The whole series to this point has hinted that her “hatred” and avoidance of Mayor Gil may be something more, and that gets explored in this book. 

When they announce that her mom’s bakery needs to be bulldozed to make more parking in the busy main section of town, Moira throws herself into trying to save it… by running for mayor against Gil. The two are starting to become friends and this throws a little wrench into that (but not as dramatic as it could have been!).

I was frustrated by Moira at times, especially at the beginning, because she didn’t really listen to anything she was told and was very headstrong. She was stubborn in trying to do what SHE thought was right without thinking of everyone else. She improved in this aspect as the book went on at least. I really liked Gil - he was super sweet and had a great dog as well. I liked how their relationship unfolded and developed throughout the book. There wasn’t any miscommunication or major drama between them. 

Overall, this was a cute story and I’m really pleased with how things ended for our main characters. Like I said, it wouldn’t surprise me if this was the last book in the series, but I would love to read a book from Beth’s perspective… especially with all the dogs and cats I’d get to read about ;)

Reading an Annie Rains book feels like a cozy visit with good friends. I know before I even turn the first page that I'm about to be immersed into a town I want to visit, populated by people I want to meet.

In The Good Luck Cafe, change is coming to Somerset Lake with 911 dispatcher Moira and mayor Gil at the center of it. I enjoy a second-chance romance, especially one with complex issues to overcome, and boy howdy, do these two have issues. Their story starts a bit slow but picks up the pace a few chapters in. By that time, we know a bit more about each of them, including Moira's secret and Gil's unrequited feelings. It explains a lot about Moira's dating reticence and Gil's steadfast honor and support. It's going to take a fair amount of growth on both their parts to reach their HEA. Good thing character growth is something at which Rains excels. I have to admit, I wasn't sure about these two at the beginning of the book but they ended up being one of my favorite Somerset Lake couples.

As always, the main couple is surrounded by a rich secondary cast who add plenty of humor, and emotion, to the story. I love the friendships among these characters as well as the families. Gil's brother, Doug is a particular favorite with an empowering and heart-tugging storyline of his own. Fans of the series will undoubtedly enjoy seeing favorite couples from earlier books progressing in their own relationships while readers new to Somerset Lake should have no trouble starting with this book if they wish. Though fair warning, once you meet the other couples there's a good chance you'll be buying their books as well.

4.5 stars
ARC received for fair and unbiased review